Mathew Tait completes Leicester Tigers switch

England international centre Mathew Tait has completed his move from Sale Sharks to Leicester Tigers.

Capped 38 times by England, Tait, 25, has played at wing and full-back as well as at centre.

Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill said: "He has played at the highest level, including the World Cup Final in 2007.

"While he has a lot of experience, he is still young and ambitious and wants to challenge himself here."

The deal for Tait was first revealed in February and Cockerill was always confident that, despite an injury concern, the centre would join.

Tait was delighted that the deal had finally gone through.

"The move to Leicester Tigers gives me a great opportunity to continue my development as a player and I know there is still a lot to come in my career," Tait added.

"I've enjoyed some great times in the game already and I still have ambitions and goals to achieve in rugby.

"There is a superb set-up at Leicester and a very competitive squad. I'm looking forward to trying to establish myself in the team here."

County Durham-born Tait made his senior debut for Newcastle Falcons in 2004 and gained his first England cap as an 18-year-old during the 2005 Six Nations.

He moved to Sale Sharks in 2008 and gained his most recent England cap in Australia last summer.